Hellertown Sees End To Police Chief Search

July 03, 1985|by TAD MILLER, The Morning Call

Hellertown Borough Council hopes it will be able to name a new police chief at its next business meeting, Aug. 5, Borough Manager James Sigworth said after an executive session that followed Monday's council meeting.

The field was reduced from 15 to seven following testing of applicants last Thursday and Friday by a three-member panel consisting of William Hamilton of the state Department of Community Affairs and two local police chiefs.

Council met in an executive session to discuss the seven finalists and the remaining steps necessary in choosing a chief. When that session finished, five applicants remained in the running.

Council President Nicholas Kiak said those names would remain confidential because "a number are employees in this area, but we do not want to jeopardize their positions with their current employers."

Sigworth said the five finalists will be interviewed behind closed doors July 15 and 16. He said the review board will consist of all members of council and Mayor Donald Zimpfer. A background search will be conducted on the top choice.

"There's a possibility that they might name someone at the next meeting," Sigworth said, noting the search must be completed and an agreement must be reached among council members.

In other matters, the borough has agreed conditionally to submit a letter of intent to join the Lehigh Valley Solid Waste Authority. The letter's content was suggested by the authority. But a paragraph written by borough Solicitor Richard Haber adds a portion confirming initial interest, ". . . however, it is not to be construed as a binding contract."

Kiak said this portion addresses the concerns of several council members at the June 17 workshop session that Hellertown may at some point find disfavor with the proposal and be locked into an agreement.

Council also opened the only bid - received at 1:20 p.m. Monday Building Systems, 3367 Gun Club Road, Nazareth. The proposal was tabled for review Aug. 5.

Kiak said the amount seemed a bit high. He said he'd like the time to review the amount budgeted for the project and for further study.

According to Sigworth, the concrete upper deck of the pool leaks. He said the project will include removing the concrete, laying a waterproof material and covering that with concrete.

Council also will seek the assistance of the borough civil service board in establishing a patrolman eligibility list for future hiring. Kiak said there is no such list at this time.